President Trump, at the World Economic Forum in Davos, demanded U.S. negotiations to acquire Greenland, citing U.S. security capabilities.
Trump Speaks on Greenland in Davos
On Wednesday, January 21, U.S. President Donald Trump delivered a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos. He addressed the situation in Greenland, stating that no country or group of countries, except the U.S., can protect Greenland. Trump emphasized America’s status as a great power, larger than people comprehend, referencing the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro two weeks prior. He suggested establishing U.S. military bases on Greenland would be a favor to Denmark and assured he does not intend to use force to acquire the island.
U.S. Seeks “Immediate Negotiations”
“Only the U.S. can defend this vast landmass of ice,” Trump declared. He argued the U.S. could develop, improve, and make Greenland beneficial and secure for Europe and itself. “Therefore, I demand immediate negotiations to revisit the issue of the U.S. acquiring Greenland,” he stated. Trump claimed similar territorial acquisitions have occurred historically and “there is nothing wrong with that.”
“You Wouldn’t Have NATO Without Me”
The U.S. leader asserted that acquiring Greenland “would not threaten NATO” but would enhance its security. He criticized NATO, claiming the U.S. has been treated very unfairly. “We have given so much and received so little in return,” Trump assessed, adding he had done more to help the alliance than any other president. “You wouldn’t have NATO if I hadn’t been engaged during my first term. The war in Ukraine is an example,” he said. Trump stated NATO “has a choice” regarding Greenland: “Say ‘yes’ and we will be very grateful, or ‘no’ and we will remember it.”